Southern Water has introduced twin radar sensor heads, the most accurate reporting technology available, for closer monitoring on its storm overflows.

The storm overflows in Kent are some of the first overflows to be fitted with the new sensor heads which will help the utility better understand its sewers and provide the most accurate and near real-time storm overflow information.

The new radar sensors have replaced the previous ultrasonic ones, which sometimes gave false readings in storm overflows particularly when the water was foamy. The new radar sensors are also more durable and will last longer and provide better value for money.

Southern Water says the improved storm overflow monitoring will allow it to gain a clearer picture of what's happening and ensure it most accurate and near real-time storm overflow reporting for customers.

The water company is continuing to trial radar sensors across sites, where appropriate.

Other measures Southern Water is using include:

• Tracking groundwater infiltration to better understand how it can prevent it contributing to flooding and storm overflows.
• Monitoring bathing water quality and river water quality to understand the causes of pollution and who the firm needs to partner with to address them.
• Using smart sewer gates in the network to help manage storm water more effectively.

Southern Water’s Rivers and Seas Watch is the firm’s online service which provides near real-time information about storm overflow releases across its region. When a potential storm overflow release is identified by monitoring equipment (EDMs), a release event is created and shown on Rivers and Seas Watch. Every storm overflow outfall in the water company’s region is shown.